Air NZ’s 75th exhibition proving popular in Auckland

Last week was a bumper week for Air New Zealand’s 75th anniversary exhibition, Air New Zealand 75 Years: Our Nation. The World. Connected at the Auckland War Memorial Museum with almost 25,000 visitors soaking up the airline’s history.

The exhibition, which runs through until 22 May 2016 has had over 68,000 visitors in the first six weeks, placing visitor numbers well above the Museum’s and the airline’s predictions.

Air New Zealand’s Boeing 737 cockpit nose, which sits just outside the Museum’s front doors, has also proved popular with 11,000 visiting the display in the first six weeks.

Next week, the 737 cockpit will move from its current location at the Museum to Wynyard Quarter. Members of the public can head down to Wynyard Quarter from Monday 11 January until Sunday 24 January for an opportunity to sit in the Captain’s seat and "pose with the nose".

Air New Zealand’s Head of Global Brand Development Jodi Williams says last week was a bustling week for the exhibition and expects this momentum to continue as locals and visitors to Auckland alike plan their summer activities.

"The exhibition is a unique blend of history, innovation and education and is sure to provide an engaging experience for all ages.

"From a virtual reality future cabin and historical collections, to a display of uniforms through the decades and dress ups for children, there really is something for everyone."

Auckland Museum Director of Public Experience, Sally Manuireva says that the Museum has been buzzing over the summer holidays.

"We are really thrilled to welcome so many visitors this summer to experience this special exhibition, which includes fascinating stories of Auckland.

"The Air New Zealand 75th exhibition is a fantastic experience for our diverse range of visitors coming from near and far, and it is wonderful to see such great interest."

Air New Zealand 75 Years: Our Nation. The World. Connected was originally created in partnership with and shown at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, where it was visited by nearly 390,000 people.

The exhibition was then was extended in partnership with Auckland War Memorial Museum and now includes replicas of a DC-8 cabin and the flying boat pier at Mechanics Bay, alongside exhibition favourites such as the virtual reality inflight experience.

There are a range of public events relating to the exhibition planned at the Museum through until May; to find out what’s on visit www.aucklandmuseum.com